The moment we stepped back into the ballroom, I felt it.
The shift.
Not just attention.
But curiosity.
Different from before.
Stronger.
Sharper.
“They're watching more closely now,” I said quietly.
Adrian didn't look around.
“They always were.”
“No,” I shook my head slightly.
“This is different.”
He glanced at me.
“How?”
“They're not just looking at you anymore.”
His gaze narrowed slightly.
“They’re looking at me.”
Adrian was silent for a second.
And then—
“Good.”
I frowned.
“Good?”
“Yes.”
“That doesn't sound good.”
“It means you’re no longer a question.”
“And what am I now?”
His voice was calm.
“An answer.”
The words settled heavily in my chest.
——————————————————————————-
We moved further into the room, stopping occasionally as people greeted Ad
